Abstract

This microfilm edition contains three manuscript collections of Revere family papers at the Massachusetts Historical Society: the Revere family papers, the Revere family papers II, and the Paul Joseph Revere papers. Included are loose manuscripts, additional family papers, and account books of Paul Revere and his family.

Biographical Sketch

Collection Description

The microfilm edition of the Revere family papers, 1746-1964, consists of 15 reels of microfilm and includes loose manuscripts, additional family papers, and bound volumes of business records. The microfilm combines three manuscript collections at the Massachusetts Historical Society: the Revere family papers, the Revere family papers II, and the Paul Joseph Revere papers.

NOTE: An unpublished guide to this collection, with item descriptions, is available in the MHS library.

Acquisition Information

The Revere family papers were a gift of Edward H. R. Revere of Canton, Mass., May 1956. (Parts of the collection were on deposit at the MHS from 1920-1921. That material, as well as additional material, was given to the MHS in May 1956.) The Revere family papers II were a gift of Anna and Margaret Revere, Dec. 1966, and the Paul Revere Association, Jan. 1967. The Paul J. Revere papers were a gift of Mark Bortman of Boston, Mass., 1967.

Detailed Description of the Collection

I. Loose manuscripts, 1746-1964

The papers in this series, from the Revere family papers, consist of family correspondence and private papers of more than a dozen members of the Revere family over more than three generations. Included are personal papers of Paul Revere; his sons Joseph Warren Revere (1777-1868) and John Revere (1787-1847); and his grandsons Edward Hutchinson Robbins Revere (1827-1862) and Paul Joseph Revere (1832-1863), both of whom served with the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment in the Civil War. Other family members represented in this series are Joshua (1774-1801), Harriet (1783-1860), and Maria Revere (1785-1847), all children of Paul Revere, as well as Mary Robbins Revere (1794-1879), Joseph Warren Revere's wife.

NOTE: Each item in this series is individually described in the MHS card catalog, and those item descriptions are reproduced in a bound guide to the Revere papers which is available in the MHS Reading Room.

Reel 1

1746-1801

Reel 2

1802-1813

Reel 3

1814-1964

Reel 3

Undated material

II. Additional family papers, 1775-1907

This series contains additional family papers, including the Revere family papers II, transcripts of Paul Revere correspondence with the Rivoire family, P. Revere papers, Paul J. Revere papers, Mary Robbins Revere (Mrs. Joseph Warren Revere) journals and notes on the Forbes and Robbins families, and genealogical papers of General Joseph Warren Revere (1812-1880).

NOTE: With the exception of the Revere family papers II and Paul J. Revere papers, all of the materials on Reel 4 are part of the Revere family papers collection.

Reel 4

Revere family papers II, 1775-1864

The Revere family papers II contain a few letters between Paul Revere and his wife Rachel (1745-1813), including one 1778 letter describing the siege of Newport, R.I.; a receipt signed by Daniel Vose for payment by Revere for paper used in making money for Massachusetts Bay; and a few miscellaneous letters to Revere and other family members. Papers of Revere's grandson John (1822-1886) include letters to his father Joseph W. Revere; a journal kept on the bark Kasan during a voyage to Sweden (15 Apr.-30 May 1843); and letters home to his parents on the same trip from Königsburg, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Saint Petersburg, Paris, and London describing his travels and surroundings, particularly at Königsburg.

NOTE: All items in the Revere family papers II are individually described in the MHS catalog and are identified as Revere II.

Reel 4

Transcripts of Paul Revere correspondence with the Rivoire Family, 1775-1816

Reel 4

P. Revere papers, 1816-1907

NOTE: The P. Revere papers appear together on the microfilm, but the originals are interfiled with the loose manuscripts in the Revere family papers.

Reel 4

Paul J. Revere papers, 1849-1902

Paul Joseph Revere was an officer with the 20th Regiment, Mass. Volunteer Infantry, and assistant inspector general under Gen. Edwin V. Sumner. The Paul J. Revere papers consist chiefly of letters from Revere to his wife Lucretia about the Battle of Ball's Bluff (1861), where he was taken prisoner; his life as a hostage in Richmond, Va.; Confederate privateers held in New York; military activities at Yorktown and during the Seven Days' Battles (1862); the Battle of Antietam (1862); and marches on the way to the Battle of Gettysburg (1863). Other correspondents include Charles F. Adams, Jr., Robert B. Forbes, John M. Forbes, and Theodore Lyman.

NOTE: All items in the Paul Joseph Revere papers are individually described in the MHS catalog and are identified as P. J. Revere.

Mary Robbins Revere papers

Reel 4

Journal, 1840-1842

Reel 4

Journal, 1843-1844

Reel 4

Journal, 1850-1861

Reel 4

Notes on the Forbes and Robbins families, 1875

Joseph Warren Revere papers

Reel 4

Journal of the Rivoire family, 1875

Reel 4

Notes on the Revere and Rivoire family, 1884

III. Volumes, 1761-1865

This series contains volumes of business records of the workshop, foundry, and mill of Paul Revere and, after he was joined by his son Joseph Warren Revere (1777-1868), of the firm Paul Revere & Son. Business records begin in 1761 with entries for silver and gold work. Paul Revere began casting bells in 1792 and started the copper rolling business in 1800. In June 1804, Joseph W. Revere became his father's business partner, and in 1807, the co-partnership was incorporated. Joseph W. Revere took over the copper business in 1811.

NOTE: Vols. 1-31 are arranged by place (Boston or Canton) and further subdivided into wastebooks, journals, and/or memoranda books. Volumes often contain information on both the Boston and Canton branches of the business. Beginning with Vol. 32, the books are arranged by format in rough chronological order (i.e. cash books, invoices, receipt books, letterbooks). Dates of the volumes often overlap. Consult the year index to find all volumes for a particular year.

Eighteenth-century bookkeeping methods do not follow modern standards. As a result, it is difficult and in some cases impossible to follow the lines of record-keeping in the Revere volumes. In the early years of his business transactions, Paul Revere kept inconsistent daily records in wastebooks. The entries were then transferred into ledgers. By the 1780s, Revere's bookkeeping methods changed; he continued to use wastebooks, but began to keep journals, account books, and memoranda books, as well. Records for each business are scattered among various record books. Journal, account, and memoranda entries were transferred into ledgers and/or cash books which show daily credits and debits and cash on hand. Numbers in the left-hand column of wastebooks and memoranda books refer to the page numbers of the ledgers or cash books to which the entries were transferred. Despite these cross-references, it is often impossible to match the entries from one form of record-keeping to another. When evidence of entry transfer is obvious, it has been noted in the individual volume descriptions below. To find entries for a particular year in all financial volumes, consult the year index (Appendix A).

A. Waste and account books, Boston, 1761-1843

Reel 5Vol. 1

Wastebook and memoranda, Boston, 3 Jan. 1761-10 Oct. 1783

Most entries relate to Paul Revere's trade as a master silversmith. Entries for commissioned pieces usually consist of the cost of the metal, workmanship, and engraving. Included are entries for gold work and cutting or engraving of copper plates for printing purposes, as well as occasional personal entries for rent or household commodities. In 1774, there is an entry for cleaning teeth. Sketches are located in both the front and the back of the volume, including those of spoons, a "cann," and a sugar tong. The wastebook contains no entries from 2 Apr. 1775-18 Dec. 1778, a period during which Revere was heavily involved in Revolutionary activity as a courier and artillery officer in the Massachusetts Militia.

NOTE: A photostatic copy and typewritten name index to Vols. 1 and 2 are available for use in the MHS Reading Room.

Reel 5Vol. 2

Wastebook, Boston, 2 Aug. 1783-7 Aug. 1797

Most entries relate to Paul Revere's trade as a master silversmith, but also document his hardware shop and foundry. The increasing number of cash withdrawals from the silver shop were used to finance Revere's post-Revolution business expansion: a hardware store in 1783 and a foundry in 1788. Personal entries are more frequent in Vol. 2, as are cash entries. Cash payments to Paul Revere, Jr. indicate amounts allocated and uses of the allocations; i.e., house, personal, or food items. Included are transactions for the making of brass trimmings for the Light Infantry, the engraving of gorgets, and the mounting of swords.

NOTE: A photostatic copy and typewritten name index to Vols. 1 and 2 are available for use in the MHS Reading Room.

Reel 5Vol. 3

Wastebook, Boston, 1 May 1799-31 May 1804

This wastebook documents the work of the copper mill in Canton and the bell foundry in Boston. Typical entries include orders for bells and copper nails, spikes, and bolts, as well as composition nails and chains. Also included are business transactions with the U.S. Navy for the building of the frigates Constitution, Essex, and Boston; the U.S. government; and the Massachusetts committee for building the new State House.

Vol. 3 contains entries copied from Vol. 4, along with some additional business information. The entries in Vol. 3 were entered into "Ledger A, 1799" (Vol. 14, on Reel 7). Numbers in the left column of the wastebook refer to the page locations in the ledger.

This volume also contains entries kept by Joseph Eayrs while trading at London, 1 Jan.-28 Nov. 1792. (See Vol. 10 for matching entries.) The accounts note the purchase and sale of fabrics, spices, rum, Madeira, tobacco, sugar, and "India" shares. Joseph Eayrs was an acquaintance of Paul Revere, a fellow member of the Sons of Liberty and artillery train, and a Tea Party Indian. Joseph Eayrs' son, Thomas Steven Eayrs, was an apprentice to Paul Revere and married Revere's daughter Frances in 1788. Years after the marriage, Thomas S. Eayrs became mentally incompetent and moved to the country, but continued to receive support from the Revere family.

Reel 5Vol. 4

Wastebook, Boston, 1 May 1799-8 Jan. 1803

This wastebook documents copper and bell manufacturing. Entries were transferred into Vol. 3.

Reel 5Vol. 5

Wastebook, Boston, 6 June 1804-22 July 1811

This wastebook documents copper manufacturing and bell casting in Boston. Along with the usual copper and bell manufacturing entries are transactions for insurance coverage, taxes, collection of outstanding debt, discounts for prompt payments, and cash received from company stock. Also included are notes related to the manufacture of three- and six-pound brass cannons; accounts of Paul, Sr., Joseph W., and Paul, Jr.; occasional personal entries; and sporadic entries for the Canton branch of the business. The bell foundry was relocated to Canton after "the great gale" of 9 Oct. 1804 which blew the roof off the Lynn Street (Boston) bell foundry. However, Revere & Son maintained a retail outlet in Boston, and copper and bell account entries appear in both the Boston and Canton books.

Reel 5Vol. 6

Wastebook, Boston, 1 Mar. 1811-Nov. 1818

This wastebook relates to the bell foundry and copper mills. The volume also contains an inventory of stock, cash on hand, and debts due for 1 Mar. 1811; accounts for Paul, Sr., Paul, Jr., Joseph W., and Paul III; and occasional entries for the Canton copper mill. There are no entries from 14 Apr.-15 May 1818. (Paul Revere died 10 May 1818.) Estate entries may be found in Sep. 1818. Located at the end of the volume is an inventory of goods and notes for Boston and Canton.

Reel 6Vol. 7

Wastebook, Boston, 1 Oct. 1818-Aug. 1825

This wastebook for the bell foundry and copper mill contains mostly manufacturing entries for the production of bells, copper sheets, and copper bolts, and for the purchase of pig copper, old copper, and copper bottoms. Located at the front of the book is a statement of stock on hand, cash notes, and debts due. The volume includes notes on United States contracts such as those for the U.S. Navy Department, as well as cash and interest payments to the Revere family. For example, an entry in 1823 indicates interest received by Paul Revere's daughter Harriet on a $4,000 bequest from her father.

Reel 6Vol. 8

Wastebook, Boston, 2 Aug. 1825-Dec. 1843

This wastebook for the bell foundry and copper mill matches Vol. 7 in content until 1830. From 1830-1843, the entries primarily note cash payments to employees and family members.

Reel 6Vol. 9

Account book, Boston, 1783-1804

This volume contains two distinct sections. The first section, an account for the workshop in Boston, 2 Aug. 1783-8 Sep. 1788, includes entries for copper, iron, brass, and plate work. Items such as brass kettles, skillets, and candlesticks, black shoe and knee buckles, lead pots, nails, hinges, pliers, screws, brads, and cast padlocks and desk locks may be found frequently among the entries, along with transactions for bolts of cloth, paper, needles, and other building and household sundries. This section is organized chronologically. Entries were transferred to Vol. 13 (Reel 7).

The second section of the volume is not in strict chronological or subject order. The cash and memoranda book includes Revere's account with the furnace, 1799-1804, and a list of items stolen out of the workshop, 1785-1786. This section also contains a memorandum of bells cast by Paul Revere, 1793-1801, and various estate accounts. The longest running estate account is David Moseley's, 1798-1800. David Moseley was a former apprentice who was married to Paul Revere's sister Elizabeth. Also included is an account for the upkeep of Thomas S. Eayrs, Paul Revere's son-in-law, and accounts with the United States for casting and finishing small cannons.

Account book for workshop, 1783-1788

Cash and memoranda book, 1785-1804

Reel 6Vol. 10

Account book, Boston, 1793-1810

Vol. 10 contains accounts for the estate of David Moseley, Jan.-July 1801; Dr. Samuel Willard, 1801-1802; Thomas Eayrs, 1801-1803; Mrs. Susanna Hitchbourn, 1801-1803; and Thomas Ramsden, including other accounts regarding Ramsden land in the state of Vermont, 1793-1804. Also included are several sections of accounts for the furnace and mills, 1800-1803; a list of bells, continued from Vol. 9, cast by Paul Revere, 1801-1810; and an undated business journal of trade accounts, probably kept by Joseph Eayrs, the father of Thomas Eayrs, at London, 1792. Although unidentified, the entries match those kept by Joseph Eayrs in Vol. 3 (Reel 5).

Reel 6Vol. 11

Journal, Boston, 6 June 1804-10 Feb. 1811

This journal contains accounts for the mills and foundry at Boston. Transactions include purchases of raw materials for the foundry, along with insurance for shipping products, cash tendered, monies received, and materials manufactured and sold. Entries were transferred to Vol. 15 (Reel 7).

Reel 6Vol. 12

Journal, Boston, 6 Dec. 1827-11 May 1830

This journal contains accounts for the mills and foundry at Boston. Included are entries for the manufacturing of nails, spikes, clinch rings, bolts, and copper sheeting. Packing and trucking costs are also listed. Entries were transferred to Vol. 18 (Reel 8).

B. Ledgers, Boston, 1761-1865

Reel 7Vol. 13

Ledger, Boston, 1761-1762, 1783-1788

This ledger includes income and expenses for the silver shop and hardware shop, as well as personal accounts for Paul, Sr., Thomas, Deborah, Paul, Jr., and John Revere. Name index.

Reel 7Vol. 14

Ledger, Boston, 1799-1804

This ledger contains accounts for work done at the mills and foundry at Boston. Included are entries for rolled copper for the dome of the State House. Name index.

Reel 7Vol. 15

Ledger, Boston, 1804-1811

This ledger contains accounts for work done at the mills and foundry at Boston. Included is a document with copies of letters from Paul Revere to Levi Lincoln and Abraham Lincoln, both dated 1 Oct. 1804, requesting introductions for Joseph Warren Revere, who was embarking on a European trip. Name index.

Reel 7Vol. 16

Ledger, Boston, 1811-1818

This ledger contains accounts for work done at the mills and foundry at Boston. Name index.

Reel 8Vol. 17

Ledger, Boston, 1818-1825

This ledger contains accounts for work done at the mills and foundry at Boston. Name index.

Reel 8Vol. 18

Ledger and cash book, Boston, 1826-1843

This ledger contains accounts for work done at the mills and foundry at Boston. Name index.

Reel 8Vol. 19

Memoranda book, Boston, 11 Mar. 1809-26 May 1865

The memoranda book includes copies of promissory notes, accounts received and settled, agreements and terms given to customers and employees, and rental (housing) agreements.

C. Waste and account books, Canton, 1805-1833

Reel 8Vol. 20

Wastebook, Canton, 18 Nov. 1805-24 Apr. 1812

This volume contains standard transactions, including cash payments for loads of wood, coal, and copper, as well as memoranda of employee hire and pay. Wastebook entries entered into Vol. 30 (Reel 10) after 12 Nov. 1811 note the page number of Vol. 30 onto which they were copied.

Reel 8Vol. 21

Wastebook, Canton, 25 Apr. 1812-4 Dec. 1814

Included are cash transactions, along with wage agreements, payments, and employee absences, and occasional entries for household sundries. The volume also contains a certification of New Hampshire cannon and copy of agreement, Oct. 1813. Numbers to the left of the entries indicate page locations in the corresponding ledger (Vol. 30, Reel 10).

Reel 9Vol. 22

Wastebook, Canton, 19 Nov. 1814-30 Sep. 1818

Transactions in this wastebook consist of wage payments and tenant agreements at Canton, cash received from Boston, and materials manufactured and sent to Boston. Large quantities of wood, listed by type, length, and cost, were purchased for production at Canton and are noted in the wastebook, as are products sold to the Charlestown Navy Yard. Household expenditures are accounted for, including a washwoman and seamstress. Staple food commodities such as sugar, flour, cheese, crackers, fowl, and fish are listed, as well as seasonal foods like apples, cranberries, and strawberries. No ledger exists for accounts kept at Canton, 1815-1818.

Reel 9Vol. 23

Wastebook, Canton, 1 Oct. 1818-30 Dec. 1829

This volume records promissory notes and receipts; the purchase of materials to run the mill, such as wood, coal, potash, matts, and brooms; employee wage contracts; payments; absentees; and household expenses. Entries were transferred to Vol. 31 (Reel 10).

Reel 9Vol. 24

Wastebook, Canton, 1 Jan. 1827-23 July 1829

Standard entries for the mill include records of wage payments, household sundries, and the purchase of raw materials. Entries have been transferred to Vol. 31 (Reel 11).

Reel 9Vol. 25

Journal, Canton, 20 Nov. 1814-1 Apr. 1819

Included are records of wage payments and employee absences; the type, quantity, and cost of wood used for the mill; household expenses; bells sent to Boston; and copper sent to the Charlestown Navy Yard. Inventory of stock was taken on 19 Sep. 1818. Memoranda include a recipe for exterior paint and a schedule of stage mail between Boston and Taunton.

Reel 9Vol. 26

Journal, Canton, 21 May 1818-30 Sep. 1823; memoranda, 1814-1815

Included are accounts of wage payments at Canton and household expenses; weights for pig copper received from the U.S. Navy Department; and memoranda on estate improvements at Canton, 1814-1815.

Reel 9Vol. 27

Memoranda, Canton, 1 Oct. 1823-28 May 1828

This volume contains expenditures for wages and cash accounts at Canton.

Reel 10Vol. 28

Journal, Canton, 2 June 1828-23 Mar. 1833

This journal contains accounts for payment of wages at Canton and memoranda regarding copper smelting and tenant agreements.

D. Ledgers, Canton, 1800-1829

NOTE: Wastebooks have not been identified with the correlating ledgers because there may be several volumes involved. The appendices may be useful.

Reel 10Vol. 29

Ledger, Canton, 1 Dec. 1802-Dec. 1806; memoranda, 1800

This ledger relates to employee agreements and payment of wages and customer accounts. Included are memoranda on the amount of copper needed for various size tea kettles; requirements for the quantity of copper bolts and spikes to build a 74-gun ship, 1800; and a list of weights for sheet copper noting the width and length of each piece.

Reel 10Vol. 30

Ledger, Canton, 20 Dec. 1803-Nov. 1814

This ledger contains accounts for work at Canton. Alphabetical index.

Reel 11Vol. 31

Ledger, Canton, 19 Oct. 1818-30 June 1829

This ledger contains accounts for work at Canton, including an expense list, 1818-1824. Alphabetical index.

E. Cash books, invoices, etc., 1783-1836

Reel 11Vol. 32a

Cash book/inventory, Boston, 15 Feb. 1785

Although identified as a cash book on its cover, this book contains an inventory of Paul Revere's hardware store stock taken 15 Feb. 1785. Stock includes plated ware, pewter, brass and copper, cutlery, scissors, door and pad locks, snuffers, spectacles and looking glasses, razors, tools, buttons, files, hinges, brushes, and Japan ware.

Reel 11Vol. 32b

Cash book, Boston, 14 Jan. 1785-Apr. 1786

This cash book shows daily sales and cash on hand.

Reel 11Vol. 33

Cash book, 1 Mar. 1811-30 Nov. 1818

This volume lists cash debits and credits for the business and Revere family personal expenditures.

Reel 11Vol. 34

Cash book, 1 Oct. 1818-30 Dec. 1826

This volume lists business and Revere family personal cash credits and debits.

Reel 11Vol. 35

Cash book, 1 Nov. 1815-29 Dec. 1836

Along with daily cash debits and credits, this book contains an account of bells made from 1 Oct. 1818-29 Dec. 1825 and an account of (promissory) notes given, 1819-1820. Alphabetical index.

Reel 11Vol. 36

Cash book, 1 Oct. 1825-14 July 1828

This cash book lists receipts and expenditures.

Reel 11Vol. 37

Book of invoices, 31 July 1783-6 Oct. 1791; memoranda, 1796

This volume contains an item list of goods imported by Paul Revere for sale in the shop, including ships' and captains' names; insurance costs; and commissions earned. Also included is a memorandum of receipt of a key from Mr. Wells, 1796.

Reel 11Vol. 38

Book of invoices, 17 Mar. 1815-25 Nov. 1829

This volume contains invoices for copper received and products shipped out. Incomplete alphabetical index. At the end of the book are lists of the quantities of copper products (bolts, spikes, sheathing, nails) ordered by and delivered to the Charlestown Navy Yard for frigate construction.

Reel 11Vol. 39

Ledger, 29 July 1819-13 June 1825

Entries in this sales ledger are arranged chronologically. Name index.

Reel 11Vol. 40

Stock book, 1793-1828

This volume contains an account of manufactured copper from Canton, 1806, as well as Revere's written warranty of bells, a bell price list, and a list of church bell sales, noting the date of sale, customer, location, and weight of the bell, 1793-1828.

F. Receipt books, bank books, etc., 1777-1828

Reel 12Vol. 41

Receipt book, Boston, 1780-1805

This book of receipts for payments for goods and services includes a sketch for bell and cannon.

Reel 12Vol. 42

Receipt book, Boston and Canton, 1806-1828

Reel 12Vol. 43

Receipt book, Canton, 1788-1807

Reel 12Vol. 44

Receipt book, Canton, 1808-1810

Reel 12Vol. 45

Receipt book, Canton, 1810-1811

Reel 12Vol. 46

Receipt book, Canton, 1811-1813

Reel 13Vol. 47

Receipt book, Canton, 1813-1817

NOTE: Some signatures in this receipt book have been removed.

Reel 13Vol. 48

Receipt book, Canton, 1817-1819

Reel 13Vol. 49

Receipt book, Canton, 1819-1824

Reel 13Vol. 50

Receipt book, Canton, 1824-1828

Reel 14Vol. 51

Memoranda and bank books

Vol. 51 consists of 14 separate gatherings.

Reel 14Vol. 51.1

[Paul Revere] journal and commonplace book, 1777, 1796-1801

This volume includes a travel journal with daily entries for a march from Watertown to Worcester, Mass., 28-29 Aug. 1777; records of Suffolk County coroner's inquests, 1796-1801 (see Vol. 51.10); recipes and dimensions for signal rockets; recipes and directions for fuse composition, putty, shells, smoke balls, and the preparation of charcoal for fireworks; and observations on sulphur or brimstone.

Reel 14Vol. 51.2

Memoranda book, Boston, 1796-1799

One section of this volume consists of a bank book recording cash deposited in the Bank of the United States at Boston, 1796. The volume also contains entries related to bolts, spikes, and staples for shipbuilding and occasional memoranda about employee hire, contractual agreements, and weights of materials.

Reel 14Vol. 51.3

Bank book, 1798-1801

This bank book contains accounts of the Union Bank with Paul Revere listing cash deposits and balances.

Reel 14Vol. 51.4

Bank book and memoranda, Boston, 1798-1799

This volume records deposits with the Union Bank. Also included are notes on the sale of copper spikes and bolts; a small drawing with measurements; and memoranda regarding house rentals and the melting of metals for the state of Massachusetts.

Reel 14Vol. 51.5

Bank book, 1799

Included are cash deposits and withdrawals for the Union Bank and the Bank of the United States; a mechanical drawing either by or from Nicholas R. Roosevelt (1767-1854), inventor and engineer; and a travel expense account for a trip to Baltimore.

Reel 14Vol. 51.6

Bank book, Boston, 1799-1802

This bank book contains accounts of the Union Bank with Paul Revere. Transactions include deposits, cash withdrawals, and balances.

Included are memoranda of cash payments, entries dealing with silver work, sketches of small and medium buckles, a list of goods sent to England, and Joshua Brackett's account.

Reel 14Vol. 51.8

Memoranda book, Boston, 6 June 1793-21 Dec. 1796

This volume contains an account with Jacob Perkins for buckles sold on commission and includes sales, receipts, and memoranda.

Reel 14Vol. 51.9

Memoranda book, Boston, 15 Dec. 1795-25 Dec. 1797; 1803

This memoranda book lists cash received and paid out for the workshop, 1795-1797, and contains memoranda of monies received from the Union Bank, 1803.

Reel 14Vol. 51.10

Memoranda book, Boston, 2 Mar. 1796-May 1798

This memoranda book for the workshop includes cash purchases and expenditures; materials received and delivered to the Charlestown Naval Yard; debts due from the David Moseley estate; amounts of copper, tin, and brass melted; accounts with Solomon Oliver; and copies of procedures and forms relating to the Suffolk County coroner's inquests (see Vol. 51.1).

Reel 14Vol. 51.11

Memoranda book, Boston, 1793

This memoranda book relates to work at the furnace at Boston and includes cash expenditures, drawings and measurements for a furnace and stove, and a list of materials needed for "mud" in the casting of bells.

Reel 14Vol. 51.12

Memoranda book, Boston, 1793-1795

Entries relate to work at the furnace at Boston and include lists of copper purchased; accounts with Solomon Oliver; and weights listed for howitzers and copper bolts.

Reel 14Vol. 51.13

Memoranda book, Boston, 4 Nov. 1799-26 Apr. 1800

This memoranda book lists expenses relating to work at the Boston furnace.

Reel 14Vol. 51.14

Memoranda book, Boston, 9 Nov. 1797-7 Mar. 1801

Included are cash expenses relating to work at the furnace; memoranda about the quantity and type of bricks to build a new furnace; and records of an account with the Bank of the United States at Boston, 1797-1798.

Reel 14Vol. 52

Bank book, Boston, 1 Sep. 1806-1 Oct. 1812

This volume contains records of Paul Revere & Son's account with the Boston Bank, including cash deposits, withdrawals, and balances. An index at the beginning indicates page locations of Boston and foreign money. Also included is a list of the size and weight of the most popular sheets of copper and the weights of sheet copper and copper bolts.

G. Letterbooks, 1783-1823

The letterbooks in this subseries contain drafts of outgoing letters. Note overlapping dates.

NOTE: Photostats of the letterbooks (Vol. 53.1-54.7) are available in the MHS Reading Room in three bound volumes.

Reel 14Vol. 53.1

Letterbook, June 1783-Mar. 1800

Reel 14Vol. 53.2

Letterbook, Apr. 1801-Mar. 1806

Reel 15Vol. 53.3

Letterbook, Oct. 1805-Apr. 1810

Reel 15Vol. 53.4

Letterbook, Mar. 1809-Dec. 1810

Reel 15Vol. 53.5

Letterbook, Apr. 1810-Apr. 1811

Reel 15Vol. 53.6

Letterbook, Dec. 1810-Jan. 1811, [1812]

Reel 15Vol. 53.7

Letterbook, Apr. 1811-Feb. 1814

Reel 15Vol. 54.1

Letterbook and account book, 1811-1814

This volume consists of two parts: a letterbook and an account book containing records of receipts and expenditures.

Letterbook, Feb. 1813-Feb. 1814

Account book, Aug. 1811-Mar. 1812

Reel 15Vol. 54.2

Letterbook, 25 Feb. 1812-2 Feb. 1813

Reel 15Vol. 54.3

Letterbook, 13 Feb. 1813-13 Nov. 1814

Reel 15Vol. 54.4

Letterbook, 23 Nov. 1814-14 Nov. 1817

Reel 15Vol. 54.5

Letterbook, 19 Nov. 1817-5 July 1819

Reel 15Vol. 54.6

[Joseph W. Revere] letterbook, 6 July 1819-17 Dec. 1821

This letterbook contains drafts of business letters for the Revere Company.

Reel 15Vol. 54.7

[Joseph W. Revere] letterbook, 27 Dec. 1821-15 Feb. 1823

This letterbook contains drafts of business letters for the Revere Company.

H. Miscellaneous volumes, 1770-1809

Reel 15Vol. 55

Paul Revere orderly book, Rhode Island, 8-28 Aug. 1778

This orderly book was kept by Paul Revere for the expedition to Rhode Island as part of Col. Thomas Crafts' Artillery Regiment. Included are orders from John Crane relating to the movement of artillery at the siege of Newport. Other subjects include courts-martial, punishment, sanitation, provisions, arms, brigade distribution, military parades, and regulations for marches.

Reel 15Vol. 56a

Joseph W. Revere journal and letterbook, 13 Nov. 1804-17 Apr. 1805

This journal was kept by Joseph W. Revere on a European trip for the purpose of gaining technical knowledge about copper rolling. Included are his impressions and observations of bell foundries, rolling mills, and brass works visited in Britain, France, and Amsterdam, as well as sketches and some descriptions of ovens and rolling bars. The volume also contains copies of letters written during the trip from 13 Nov. 1804-[17] Apr. 1805. Subjects include money transfers, introductions and queries about business locations, and acknowledgment of packets. Revere explains the initial difficulty in gaining entrance to foundries and describes copper processing and rolling and bell casting. Also included is a sketch (with dimensions) of an iron roll for rolling copper, as well as some personal correspondence.

Reel 15Vol. 56b

Bingham Penobscot purchase, 1793-1809

These papers relate to the title and purchase of Penobscot lands in Maine which were sold by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, purchased by William Bingham, and conveyed by the trustees appointed by his will. Also included is the evidence of Thomas M. Willing's title to the lands conveyed by him, jointly with the trustees, to Joseph Tilden. The connection between Paul Revere and the Bingham land purchase is unclear.

Reel 15Vol. 56c

Joseph Eayrs financial journal, Boston, 14 May 1770-20 May 1788

Entries relate to carpentry work and are organized chronologically. (See also Vols. 3 and 10 for Joseph Eayrs account books.)

This volume contains an account with Jacob Perkins for buckles sold on commission. Also included are sketches of a buckle, a man with a hat, and intricate decorative details for silver/gold work.

Reel 15

Plan and sketch of Revere property in Canton, undated

This plan depicts the mill property and dwelling house of Paul Revere on the east branch of the Neponset River in Canton, formerly the government powder mill. An undated oversize map (22 x 44 cm.) shows Revere's home, dams, fences, bridges, raceway, and Leonard & Kingsley's forge and grist mill. Also included is an undated pen-and-ink sketch of the Revere property on the Neponset River in Canton (6 x 12 cm.).

Preferred Citation

Note: enter only one keyword. For the most targeted highlighting, choose the least common term, i.e., the surname of Sedgwick rather than the first name Theodore. To search for phrases and multiple keywords, use the Search button below the Find box.